Marathons+Moderation: Guest Post #15

Hello Healthy Happier Bear readers!

My name is Megan and I blog over at Runner’s Kitchen. Today I’ll be telling you guys how I roll when it comes to balancing miles and life. I’ve been running competitively for about 12 years now and I think I’ve finally figured out the running-social-work life balance. Well, at least sometimes. Back in my college days, my main priorities were the cross-country/track team and school work. In that order. I went out on Saturday evenings, but a weeknight beer was out of the question. All of my weekends were devoted to traveling, meets, and long runs.

It was an awesome experience, but obviously things changed a bit when I graduated and moved to New York City. For the first time in my adult life, I had weekends that were completely my own. I could run if I wanted to. Or not at all. For the first year or two after graduation, I didn’t do much running or racing. I needed a break! But after I settled into post-college life, I found myself missing the social aspect of running. And I also had a lot of pent-up energy after a long day in the office! So in the fall of 2008, I joined the Central Park Track Club and started training for my first marathon. As most of you know, training for a marathon (or any race!) takes up a lot of time. You need the time to run, of course, but also extra time to cross-train, shower, massage, eat, and nap. As my non-running friends spent their nights hitting up bars on the Lower East Side and logging long hours at work, I tried to figure out a way to reach my running goals while 1) still seeing my friends and 2) being a good employee.

Below are some things that helped me fit it all in:

1) Associate with like-minded people. Are the people in your life supportive of your lifestyle choices? Or do they heckle you for needing extra sleep? For spending your weekends running races? You can’t choose family or co-workers, but you can choose who you’re friends are. If they make it easier for you to be a runner and do the things you love, that’s priceless. Don’t let them go. I’m not saying you should forget about your college drinking buddies, but if what they like to do in their free-time isn’t meshing with your goals, it’s okay to scale back on the time you spend with them.

2) Realize it’s okay to say NO. You can’t do everything. I’m kinda type-A, so it’s definitely taken me awhile to accept this, but I’ve gotten better at saying no. If I have a long run scheduled for a Sunday morning, I might have to cancel on a night out with friends. Sometimes sleep is more important than a blog-post. I’m on a budget, so sometimes running shoes might be more vital than a dinner out with my boyfriend. If running is important to you – make it a priority and don’t be afraid to let others know that’s the case.

3) Be creative with the way you manage your time. I try to integrate running with my life as much as possible. I literally "run errands" – to the post office, to Target, to return my internet router (yes, really). And once a week I "run commute" to work. It’s easier than you think! It might mean I sacrifice some primping time, but to me, miles are more important than make-up. I also try to make run-dates with my friends. This way I get in my workout and also maintain social connections!

4) Always remember that life is short – do what makes you happy. Is what you’re doing making you happy at least 75% of the time? We all have days when running is hard, when it’s boring, when we’d rather be drinking beer….But as long as the training and racing experience is making you a healthier and happier person at least most of the time, you’re on the right track. If it’s not making you happy, change things up. Maybe you need to stop racing for awhile. Maybe it’s time to get a new running buddy. Being in shape and setting PRs is important, but never let that get in the way if enjoying life! (Even if that means sometimes skipping a run in favor of happy hour with your lady friends…)
What are your tips for training hard while still making time for other important things (you know, like husbands and jobs and stuff….)?

Question: Want to be featured in October or November’s Marathon+Moderation guest posts? If so, email me or leave a comment!